COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN DIRECT CONVENTIONAL
MANDIBULAR NERVE BLOCK AND VAZIRANI-AKINOSI CLOSED MOUTH
MANDIBULAR NERVE BLOCK TECHNIQUE
AUTHOR:
*PROF (DR). SOBHAN MISHRA M.D.S., DNB
Professor and Head.
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
*DR. RAMANUPAM TRIPATHY M.D.S.
Reader.
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
**DR. SAMRAT SABHLOK M.D.S.
Senior lecturer.
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
*DR. SATYABRATA PATNAIK M.D.S.
Senior lecturer.
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
*DR. PANKAJ KUMAR PANDA, B.D.S.
INTERN
* Institute Of Dental Sciences, Siksha ‘o’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar
** Dr.D.Y.Patil Dental College, Dr.D.Y.Patil University, Pune
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Over the years different techniques have been developed for achieving
mandibular nerve anaesthesia. The main aim of our study was to carry out comparison and
clinical efficacy of mandibular nerve anaesthesia by Direct Conventional technique with that
of Vazirani-Akinosi mandibular nerve block technique.
Materials and Methods: 50 adult patients requiring surgical extraction of premolars,
mandibular first, second and third molars were selected randomly to receive Direct
Conventional technique and Vazirani- Akinosi technique for nerve block alternatively.
Results: No statistically significant differences were observed regarding complete lip
anaesthesia at 5 minutes and 10 minutes, nerves anaesthetized with single injection,
effectiveness of anaesthesia, supplementary injections and complications in both the
techniques. However, onset of lip anaesthesia was found to be faster in Vazirani-Akinosi
technique, patients experienced less pain during the Vazirani-Akinosi technique as
compared to the Direct Conventional technique. Post injection complication complications
were less in the Vazirani-Akinosi Technique.
Conclusions: Except for faster onset of lip anaesthesia, less pain during injection and fewer
post injection complications in Vazirani-Akinosi technique all other parameters were of same
efficacy as Direct Conventional technique. This has strong clinical applications as in cases
with limited mouth opening, apprehensive patients Vazirani-Akinosi technique is the
indicated technique of choice.
KEY WORDS: Conventional Mandibular Nerve block, Vazirani Akinosi technique, closed
mouth mandibular nerve block
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN DIRECT CONVENTIONAL MANDIBULAR
NERVE BLOCK AND VAZIRANI-AKINOSI CLOSED MOUTH MANDIBULAR
NERVE BLOCK TECHNIQUE
INTRODUCTION
The Akinosi mandibular block technique, first described in 1977[1] is a closed-mouth
intraoral approach to nerve block anesthesia of the mandibular nerve. A bolus of local
anesthetic is delivered into the superior portion of the pterygomandibular space, where it
FIGURE 1
affects the inferior alveolar, lingual, and long buccal nerves (Figure 1). Conventional
techniques rely on the presence of certain anatomical landmarks-the coronoid notch,
occlusal plane, and the pterygomandibular raphe. Anatomical variations in shape and size of
the mandible and the position of the mandibular foramen relative to the occlusal plane may
make accurate localization of the mandibular foramen difficult, thereby contributing to the
reported failure rates of up to 15% of conventional inferior alveolar nerve blocks [2].
With the Akinosi technique, the patient’s teeth are closed into occlusion, and the cheek is
retracted to expose the posterior teeth. The needle is positioned at the level of and parallel
to the mucogingival line of the maxillary molars (Figure 2 and Figure 3). The needle is
inserted as closely as possible to the medial surface of the ramus and is advanced to a
depth of 2.5 to 3.0 cm into the area between the maxillary tuberosity and the mandibular
ramus. After negative aspiration, the contents of a standard dental anesthetic cartridge are
deposited. Advantages of the Akinosi technique over conventional techniques include the
ease by which the technique may be mastered, the possibility of achieving anesthesia of the
three major nerves innervating the mandible with a single injection, and the possibility that
apprehensive patients will find the technique less threatening because the injection is
performed with the patient’s mouth in a closed position [3]. This investigation evaluated the
efficacy of the Akinosi mandibular block technique in achieving local anesthesia for the
removal of impacted mandibular third molars. A within-subject design was used to compare
onset of anesthesia, quality of anesthesia, branches of the mandibular nerve affected, and
intraoperative hemostasis achieved with both the Akinosi technique and conventional
techniques of local anesthetic administration.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty consecutive patients in need of extraction of mandibular premolars, first, second and
third molars were selected. 24 gauge needle was used for the Direct Conventional technique
while 26 gauge needle was used for the Vazirani-Akinosi technique Conventional mandibular
injections [4, 5] were given using 2% lidocaine with l:8O,OOO epinephrine. A volume of 1.6
ml was administered for the inferior alveolar nerve block; for the lingual nerve block 0.2 ml:
and for the buccal nerve block, 0.5 ml. The sequence of injection was randomized. The
closed mouth injection was given as described by Vazirani-Akinosi [1, 6]. The needle was
inserted at the level of the buccal gingival margins of the upper molar teeth to a depth of 2530 mm and 1.5-2 ml of anaesthetic solution was deposited. In the case of patients with an
edentulous maxillary arch, the crest of the remaining alveolar ridge represented the level at
which the needle was inserted. An aspiration test was performed. In patients receiving a
conventional block, a buccal infiltration was also given for the long buccal nerve. Patients
recorded their pain experience on a 100 mm visual analogue scale following the injection [7].
The subjects were asked to report any unusual symptoms during and after the injection. The
surgical protocol consisted of the injection of local anesthesia on one side using one of the
techniques at random, and the completion of surgery on that side. Lingual nerve anesthesia
was assessed by questioning the patient about altered tongue sensation and by probing the
lingual gingiva. Buccal nerve anesthesia was assessed by probing in the buccal gingival
sulcus opposite the mandibular second molar. After lip paraesthesia was noted, the surgical
procedure was begun. The mandibular premolar/molars were removed using a standard
surgical technique. Parameters observed were:
1. Pain during injection: the pain during injection was measured using a visual analogue
scale
2. Time of onset of lip anaesthesia:
Five minutes after the first injection was completed, the onset of mandibular paraesthesia
was assessed by questioning the patient.
3. Complete lip anaesthesia at 5min and 10 min interval:
If altered sensation in the lower lip was not present 5 minutes after the first injection, another
5 minutes was allowed to lapse and then onset of paraesthesia was reassessed. If there was
not altered lip sensation at the end of the second 5 minute period, the injection was
repeated.
4. Nerves anaesthetized with a single injection: Lingual nerve anesthesia was assessed
by questioning the patient about altered tongue sensation and by probing the lingual gingiva.
Buccal nerve anesthesia was assessed by probing in the buccal gingival sulcus opposite the
mandibular second molar.
5. Frequency of supplementary injection: This was the 2nd injection given if patient
experienced any pain or discomfort, which was unbearable by the patient. The technique for
this was same as that of 1st injection. If even after the supplementary injection, anaesthesia
was not adequate or was absent.
6. Complications or any undesired results if any: tingling of upper lip, blanching of skin of
infra orbital region, light headedness and palpitation were some of the undesired results
which were anticipated.
Statistical analysis was done using student ‘’t’ test and Chi Square test, where appropriate to
test the significance of data. A ‘p’ value of <0.05 is said to be statistically significant.
RESULTS:
The values for complete lip anaesthesia at 5 min and 10 min, nerves anaesthetized with
single injection, effectiveness of anaesthesia, supplementary injections and complications
are shown in table no. 2,3,4,5 and 6 respectively. There was no statistically significant
difference found between the two groups.
Table no. 1 describing onset of lip anaesthesia showed, the calculated value of ‘t’ to be
1.996 whereas the critical value from the table at 5% was 1.679 and at 1% it was 2.410.
Hence, the difference observed between the two techniques in respect to onset of lip
anaesthesia was found to be statistically significant at 5% level. Thus suggesting the onset
of lip anaesthesia was faster in Vazirani-Akinosi [5, 6].
Table 1
Onset of lip anaesthesia
Sample
No.of
Mean
Name Observations.
DC
25
1.900 0.464
24.4
S.E.of
Mean
95%
0.095
VA
25
1.617 0.516
31.9
0.105
Sample-1
Sample-2
S.D.
C.V.
(%)
t-Statistic
Computed Crit. (5%) Crit. (1%)
DC VA 1.996 1.679 2.410 48 significant
DC: Direct Conventional technique
VA: Vazirani-Akinosi technique
D.F. Nature
Confidence
Limits
99%
1.705 – 1.635 –
2.095 2.165
1.400 – 1.323 –
1.835 1.912
Table 2
COMPLETE LIP ANAESTHESIA AT 5 MINUTES AND 10 MINUTES INTERVAL
Sample
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
Total
DC n
22
24
46
VA n
17
21
38
Total n
39
45
84
N=25 Computed Chi-square (1d.f.) = 0.762
Critical Chi-Sq. at 1 D.F. at 5% and 1% levels 3.840 6.630
DC: Direct Conventional technique
VA: Vazirani- Akinosi technique
Table 3
NERVES ANAESTHETIZED WITH SINGLE INJECTION
Sample
IA
LNG
LB
Total
DC n
24
25
25
74
VA n
21
21
20
62
Total n
45
46
45
136
N= 25 Computed Chi-square(1 d.f.) =1.059
Critical Chi-Sq. at 1 D.F. at 5% & 1% Levels:3.840 6.630
DC: Direct Conventional technique
VA: Vazirani-Akinosi technique
IA: Inferior Alveolar nerve
LNG: Lingual Nerve
LB: Long Buccal Nerve
Table 4
SUPPLEMENTARY INJECTIONS
Technique
Required
Not Required
Total
DC
1
24
25
VA
4
21
25
45
50
Total
5
Computed Chi- Square (1 d.f.) = 2.00
DC: Direct Conventional technique
VA: Vazirani-Akinosi technique
It was seen that the Vazirani-Akinosi technique required more number of supplementary
injections for complete mandibular nerve block. (Table 4)
Table 5
COMPLICATIONS
Technique
7th Cranial Nerve
Palsy
Trismus
Syncope
4
4
0
25
VA
0
0
DC: Direct Conventional technique
VA: Vazirani-Akinosi technique
2
1
25
DC
Post
Injection pain
3
Total
It was recorded that complications like post injection pain, trismus and syncope were seen
mostly in the Direct Conventional technique. (Table 5)
Graph 1 Representation of measurement of pain during injection in both the
techniques
nalogue Score (mm)
Pain During Injection
70
60
60
50
40
30
20
DC: Direct Conventional technique
VA: Vazirani-Akinosi technique
DISCUSSION
Even though the subjects were not told directly which injection technique they were
receiving, the more dentally experienced ones would have found the closed-mouth injection
"different". While this may have compromised the double-blind nature of the study design it
was not likely to have affected the validity of the results because the subjects did not need to
compare the 2 techniques. Where the closed-mouth injection resulted in inferior alveolar and
lingual anaesthesia but no long buccal anaesthesia, the block injection was not repeated.
Instead, a buccal infiltration injection was given prior to extraction.
This was consistent with the study design, and was clinically justified. Such injections did
not, however, qualify as supplementary injections. As the conventional injection does not
purport to block the long buccal nerve, valid comparisons with the closed-mouth can only be
made with regard to inferior alveolar and lingual nerve anaesthesia.
Subjects in the Direct Conventional group experience significantly more pain during injection
than the subjects in the Vazirani-Akinosi group. This can be attributed to the 26 gauge
needle used for the Vazirani-Akinosi technique which has smaller dimensions used than the
24 gauge needle used for the Direct Conventional technique. Another factor contributing to
less pain experienced by subjects during the Vazirani-Akinosi technique was divergence of
medial pterygoid muscle from ramus to lateral pterygoid process giving greater width of
pterygomandibular space superiorly (Gow-Gates et al [16], Barker et al [17]) hence, reducing
the chances of needle to penetrate the medial pterygoid muscle.
The lower success rate of the closed-mouth technique may be attributed to the factor of the
deposition of the anaesthetic solution outside the confines of the pterygomandibular space
resulting in insufficient perfusion of the nerve [8]. The lack of bony landmarks of the target
area makes this likely and may explain the cases of posterior superior alveolar and infraorbital nerve anaesthesia observed in this study.
After injecting local anaesthetic solution, in both the techniques, time allowed for noting
altered lip sensation was 5 minutes. If no response was found, another 5 minutes lapse was
allowed. This was done in accordance to the study done by Peterson [9] who suggested
slow dispersion of the solution after injecting into the pterygomandibular space. Moreover,
these 5 minutes or, if required, total 10 minutes can also be used to build rapport with the
patient and make the patient at ease. The onset of anaesthesia, was recorded to be faster in
Vazirani-Akinosi technique [1, 6] (1.6 minutes mean) than Direct Conventional technique [4,
5] (1.9 minutes mean), which was statistically significant. These confirmed the findings of
Akinosi [1], Gustainis and Peterson [10] and Sisk [11]. This may be due to the close needle
position to the anatomic location of theses nerves and encountering them through diffusion
and / gravity. Additionally, former also avoided the possible variable position of mandibular
foramen. However, Yucel and Hutchison [12], Todorovic et al [13] and Martinez et al [14]
reported rapid onset of anaesthesia in Direct Conventional technique.1,4 It is reasonable to
assume that the skill in performing Direct Conventional technique [4,5] was much greater
due to everyday practice Todorovic et al [13]. The onset of complete lip anaesthesia in 5
minutes & 10 minutes was found to be faster in Direct Conventional technique [4, 5]. This
was in accordance to the study of Donker et al [15] and Yucel and Hutchison [12]. Although
statistically insignificant, this may be due to the proportionately larger diameter of the nerve
fibres present in the upper portion of pterygomandibular space. So, it takes greater time to
reach the core fibres of the nerves and produce complete lip anaesthesia. In contradiction to
this, Sisk [11] reported Vazirani-Akinosi technique [1, 6] to have more percentage of cases of
complete lip anaesthesia within 5 min and 10 min. The incidence of inferior alveolar nerve
and lingual nerve anaesthesia with single needle puncture was found to be lower in VaziraniAkinosi technique [1, 6]. The most probable reason for this may be explained as lack of bony
landmarks and failure to appreciate the flaring nature of ramus. Although Vazirani-Akinosi
technique [1, 6] may sometimes require additional injection for buccal nerve, the number of
cases for this were not many. Therefore, reducing the extra dose of local anaesthetic
required. This was same as reported by Sisk [11] but was more than the reported value of
71% by Donker et al. [15] As Direct Conventional technique in the present study used
separate needle puncture to achieve buccal nerve anaesthesia, valid comparison cannot be
made for this nerve. The frequency of supplementary injections was found to be higher in
Vazirani-Akinosi technique [1, 6] .This was similar to the studies of Donker et al [15] and
Yucel and Hutchison [12]. This may be due the lack of sufficient bony landmarks and failure
to appreciate the flaring nature of the ramus, causing deposition of anaesthetic solution
outside the confines of pterygomandibular space. Various complications like post-injection
pain and trismus were reported only in Direct Conventional technique [4, 5] This reduced
incidence in Vazirani-Akinosi technique [1, 6] may be attributed to the divergence of medial
pterygoid muscle from ramus to lateral pterygoid process giving greater width of
pterygomandibular space superiorly (Gow-Gates et al [16], Barker et al [17]) hence, reducing
the chances of needle to penetrate the medial pterygoid muscle. More cases of syncope
were encountered in Direct Conventional [4, 5] than Vazirani-Akinosi technique [1, 6]. This is
because in latter technique the mouth of the patient is closed and feeling of injection into the
throat is not present (Akinosi) [1] thus, decreasing the level of anxiety and apprehension. 7th
nerve palsy was reported in Vazirani-Akinosi technique [1, 6] only. Possibly, the 7th nerve
palsy occurred due to over insertion of the needle and deposition of anaesthetic solution
deep into the parotid gland (Bennet) [4] . No case of infection was reported due to the usage
of disposable needles, syringes, aseptic techniques and sterile solutions throughout the
study. Sloughing, soft tissue injury, anaesthesia or paresthesia, needle breakage, hematoma
were not encountered during the study. However, no significant difference was found in
between the two techniques with this respect.
CONCLUSIONS:
It may be concluded from the analysis in the present study that the Vazirani-Akinosi
technique was statistically superior to Direct Conventional technique in case of onset of lip
anaesthesia only. With regard to all other parameters, the two techniques have been found
to be almost identical showing no statistical differences in their effect. In patients having
limited mouth opening, like in infection and trauma, the importance of Vazirani-Akinosi
technique cannot be underestimated. Above all, Vazirani-Akinosi technique shows as much
efficacy as Direct Conventional technique, thus having strong clinical implications.
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